Benzidamină
Tantum Verde · Tantum Rosa
See pricesSore throat — what to take?
A sore throat (odynophagia) usually arises from a viral infection (80-90% of cases) or, less often, a bacterial one (beta-hemolytic streptococcus). Most episodes resolve within 5-7 days with symptomatic treatment.
Also known as:
inflamed throat
my throat hurts
pharyngitis
red throat
5
recommended OTC drugs
8,258
pharmacies available
In short: sore throat usually improves with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. On HartaFarmacii there are 5 commonly used options: Benzidamină, Hexetidină, Ambroxol, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol. For each one you can compare the price across the Dr. Max, Tei, Catena and HelpNet chains and see which of the 8,258 pharmacies near you has it in stock, with prices updated daily. OTC treatment is suitable for mild, short-lived forms. See a doctor if signs such as significant difficulty swallowing or breathing; fever above 39°c that does not respond to antipyretics appear. This information is for general guidance only, is not medical advice and does not replace a specialist consultation — for a diagnosis, or if symptoms persist or worsen, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Data verified on from public sources (OpenStreetMap, chain websites, ANM/MS) — updated daily.
OTC — no prescription
What you can take for sore throat
Hexetidină
Hexoraletten · Drill
See pricesAmbroxol
Strepsils Intensive
See pricesIbuprofen
Nurofen · Advil
See pricesParacetamol
Panadol · Efferalgan
See pricesInformational only — HartaFarmacii is not an approved medical site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Don't self-medicate. Emergencies: 112.
When to see a doctor
If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:
- Significant difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Fever above 39°C that does not respond to antipyretics
- Large, painful cervical lymphadenopathy
- Pain persisting beyond 7 days
- Abundant white deposits appearing on the tonsils
- Associated skin rash (suspected scarlet fever)
Causes of sore throat
The most common causes are viral infections — the common cold, influenza, adenoviruses, Epstein-Barr virus. They are recognized by their association with a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and mild fever. Antibiotics do NOT help in viral infections.
Bacterial pharyngitis (especially streptococcal) presents with sudden onset, high fever, absence of cough, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, and deposits on the tonsils. It is diagnosed with a rapid test and treated with an antibiotic.
Other causes: gastroesophageal reflux, dry air, smoking, allergies, nocturnal mouth breathing.
OTC medicines for sore throat
Lozenges with hexetidine or benzydamine (Strepsils, Tantum Verde) quickly relieve local pain and have a mild antiseptic action. Benzydamine sprays provide immediate relief. Ambroxol lozenges also have a mild mucolytic effect.
Systemic analgesics — ibuprofen 400 mg or paracetamol 1000 mg — reduce pain and fever, being the most effective for severe odynophagia. Gargling with salt water (1 tablespoon of salt in 250 ml of warm water) is a scientifically validated traditional remedy.
What else helps
- Honey with lemon (caution: not for children under 1 year — botulism risk).
- Abundant hydration, warm teas with ginger or chamomile.
- Humidifying the air in the bedroom.
- Avoid passive smoking and dry air.
When an antibiotic is needed
Antibiotics are given only for bacterial pharyngitis confirmed by a rapid streptococcus test or a positive throat swab. Standard treatment: amoxicillin for 10 days or penicillin V. If you are allergic — macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin). Never start a prophylactic antibiotic — it increases bacterial resistance.
Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. For diagnosis and treatment, consult a health professional.
Medicines compared
Medicines used for sore throat
This list is for guidance only, generated automatically from the DCI/category match. It is not a medical recommendation — consult your doctor before starting any treatment.
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Paduden Express Forte, 400 mg, 10 capsule moi, Terapia
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Mig 400, 400 mg, 10 comprimate filmate, Berlin-Chemie Ag
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Caffetin, 12 comprimate, Alkaloid
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Fasconal, 20 comprimate, Gedeon Richter
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Solpadeine, 500 mg/8 mg/30 mg, 12 comprimate efervescente, Omega Pharma
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Synocam, 200 mg/500 mg, 10 comprimate filmate, Dr. Reddys
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Nurofen Immedia Ultra, 400 mg, 12 drajeuri
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Biofen Extra, 400 mg/325mg, 10 comprimate filmate, Biofarm
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Biofen Forte, 400 mg, 16 capsule moi, Biofarm
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Ketifexin, 50 mg granule pentru soluţie orală, 10 plicuri, Sandoz
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Nurofen Duo Max, 200mg/500mg, 24 comprimate filmate, Reckitt Benckiser
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Acid acetilsalicilic-Richter, 500 mg, 30 comprimate, Gedeon Richter
This list is not a medical recommendation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Search the pharmacy
Medicines for sore throat
Beyond the OTC products listed above, you can search the comparator by active ingredient and see prices compared across Dr. Max, Catena, Tei, HelpNet and the rest of the chains in our network.
Step by step
How to find a pharmacy fast for sore throat
Open the interactive map and grant location permission — you'll immediately see pharmacies sorted by distance, each with its opening hours and a one-tap route in Google Maps. If it's night or a weekend, switch on the 24/7 filter to keep only the on-call ones. For sore throat most of the listed remedies are over the counter, so you can walk in without a prescription, but check stock and prices on the comparator page first to avoid wasted trips.
If you have a preferred active ingredient (paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.), search it in the comparator before you leave — you'll see which chain has it cheapest near you and whether it's in stock. For chronic prescriptions, save your favourite pharmacy in the app and turn on hours notifications — it saves unnecessary trips, especially when treatment for sore throat runs over weeks.
See also
Related symptoms and conditions
Frequently asked
What else do you want to know?
- Do I need an antibiotic for a sore throat?
- In 80-90% of cases NO — it is a viral infection. The antibiotic is given only for bacterial pharyngitis confirmed by a rapid test or a positive culture for streptococcus.
- How long does a viral sore throat last?
- Usually 5-7 days, peaking on day 2-3. If it persists beyond 7-10 days or worsens, it requires medical evaluation.
- Does gargling with salt water help?
- Yes, it is a validated remedy — it reduces local inflammation and clears secretions. One tablespoon of salt in 250 ml of lukewarm water, gargling 3-4 times a day.
- Can I give Strepsils to a 4-year-old child?
- Many throat lozenges are indicated only from age 6. For young children, use syrups, teas with honey (over 1 year), and paracetamol/ibuprofen in pediatric doses.
See also
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